New York City Boxing Weekend Highlights
This weekend, New York City witnessed an electrifying display of boxing talent with two major fight cards that captivated audiences. The festivities kicked off on Friday at Madison Square Garden, where an historic all-female event promoted by Most Valuable Promotions screamed empowerment with six title fights on the line and a total of 17 titles up for grabs.
Main Event: Taylor vs. Serrano
The spotlight shone brightly on the main event as Katie Taylor, the undisputed junior welterweight champion, squared off against Amanda Serrano in their highly anticipated trilogy. Taylor effectively modified her fighting style, opting for a more tactical approach that ultimately helped her secure a majority decision victory. This win marked Taylor’s continuation of her unbeaten streak, and many analysts noted that she effectively controlled the fight using movement and smart combinations, making it her most convincing win in the series against Serrano.
Other Notable Fights
In another standout match of the evening, Alycia Baumgardner defended her undisputed junior lightweight championship against Jennifer Miranda, although many felt her performance fell short of the mark. Baumgardner, while victorious, left an impression less sparkling than her title might suggest. Further adding to the night’s surprises, Shadasia Green pulled off a significant upset by defeating Savannah Marshall in a split decision, unifying two super middleweight titles in the process. Additionally, Cherneka Johnson, who stepped in as a last-minute replacement, made an unforgettable entrance by knocking out Shurretta Metcalf in the ninth round, thus claiming the undisputed bantamweight title and marking history as Australia’s first fighter to achieve that status.
Saturday’s Action at Louis Armstrong Stadium
The action continued on Saturday at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, with the Ring III card showcasing lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson, who abandoned his traditional defensive style for a more aggressive approach against the previously undefeated William Zepeda. Stevenson’s performance was dominant, as he landed an impressive 52.2% of his punches while securing a unanimous decision victory—standing as a powerful statement against his critics. He faced a relentless barrage from Zepeda, who threw an astonishing 979 punches, yet Stevenson’s skill maintained control throughout the fight.
Among notable fights, Hamzah Sheeraz stunned the audience further by knocking out Edgar Berlanga in the fifth round, in his own super middleweight debut, positioning himself for future high-stakes matchups. Additionally, Subriel Matias earned his first decision victory, overcoming Alberto Puello in a fierce contest to clinch the WBC junior welterweight title. This win for Matias was particularly poignant given his previous boxing record was defined by knockouts.
Reactions and Future Implications
While each fighter had their moments, reactions to the performances varied. Taylor’s triumph was lauded, with many believing she demonstrated her superiority over Serrano, who struggled to adapt her strategy in their latest bout. Despite her respectable track record, Serrano’s conservative approach in this fight did not endear her to fans who favored her previous aggressive style, leading to a loss that felt far clearer than their earlier encounters. Baumgardner’s subdued output against Miranda also left critics wanting, reflecting on her potential yet to be harnessed.
As for Berlanga, who was outclassed by Sheeraz, this defeat could serve as a crucial turning point in his career, prompting much-needed reflection on his approach. For Zepeda, despite the loss, his charge forward and willingness to engage resonated positively with the audience, ensuring his return will be awaited with anticipation.
Overall, the two nights of fights provided a mixture of electrifying moments, unexpected outcomes, and a glimpse into the evolving landscape of women’s and men’s boxing alike, setting the stage for future thrilling matchups in the sport.
